EU Ministers Clash Over 90% 2040 Target

EU environment ministers met in Brussels in a last-ditch effort to agree unanimous emissions targets before COP30 in Belem, where they must submit an updated 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution and seek backing for a longer-term 2040 goal. The European Commission has proposed a pathway aiming to cut emissions 90% by 2040 from 1990 levels, but the target remains contested. Countries including Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic and other eastern members cite high energy costs, industrial competitiveness and impacts on car manufacturing as reasons to scale back ambition, while Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden press for stronger goals. Negotiations are being complicated by a political shift to the right and competing priorities such as defence and competitiveness, and talks were expected to run into the night as ministers tried to reconcile divisions. Officials warned that failure to reach unanimous agreement would undermine the EU's credibility and negotiating position at the U.N. summit.